On February 16, 2020, the Prime Minister held the tenth meeting of the Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, a discussion was held on the response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Concerning the epidemiologic situation of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan, new cases have been reported recently. In light of such a domestic situation, today, we will convene an expert meeting immediately. We will ask this expert meeting to discuss the epidemiological assessment of the current situation and the compilation of a guide for patients that indicates when to consult, which is easy for the public to understand, in particular elderly people or those with underlying diseases.

In addition, in order to alleviate the concerns of the public, the Government will more closely collaborate with local governments and implement various measures, including an early and more easy-to-understand notification to local governments aiming at steady polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for those who are suspected of infection, and a 24-hour response, including Saturdays and Sundays, by the 536 consultation centers which were established in each and every prefecture, as well as the increasing of the number of medical institutions with enhanced medical treatment systems in place from the current 726 to 800.

Meanwhile, following the observation of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases based on the PCR screening results of the more than 500 people that have returned to Japan aboard charter flights from Wuhan, China, we have decided to allow the passengers abroad the cruise ship Diamond Princess, who have tested negative at the PCR screening, to disembark from the ship from February 19 once it is confirmed there is no problem at the health check after the 14 days of observation period.

With the United States, which has the largest number of passengers onboard after Japan, we have closely cooperated with each other, while it has expressed its appreciation of Japan’s efforts. Amidst such circumstances, a charter flight of the United States is scheduled to arrive at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) today and those U.S. citizens aboard who wish to return early to the U.S. will depart early tomorrow morning at the earliest. On their departure, the Self Defense Forces will fully cooperate with the U.S. and a joint operation between Japan and the U.S. will be conducted.

At this moment, Canada and Australia have also expressed their intention to take similar measures and we intend to respond in close collaboration with various countries and regions.

In addition, concerning the four Japanese passengers aboard the Westerdam that is currently anchored in Cambodia, we will continue to exert every effort to enable them to return to Japan at an early date.

The Government will exert every effort to enrich and strengthen its consultation and treatment systems and continue to further strengthen a screening structure, collaborating with local governments, towards the prevention of further outbreak.

I want everyone to continue to take the necessary actions in advance in your respective positions in order to protect the lives and health of the public.”